Language use and vocabulary Flashcards
Front: What is a subordinate clause?
A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it depends on the main clause (e.g. Although she was tired, she kept working)
Front: What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?
Phrase: A groupf of word that lacks a subject and a verb (e.g. in the morning)
Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb (e.g. He wakes up early)
Front: What is a dangling modifier?
A word or phrase that does not clearly attach to the noun it’s meant to modify. (e.g. Running to the bus stop, the backpack slipped off his shoulders…shouldbe: Running to the bus stop, he felt his backpack slip off his shoulders)
Front: What are parallel structures in writing?
Using the same grammatical pattern in a sentence (e.g. She likes reading, writing and jogging)
Front: What is an appositive phrase?
A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun beside it (e.g. My friend, a talented musician, plays the violin)
Q: What is diction?
It refers to an author’s choice of words, which affects tone, mood, and style.
Q: What is syntax?
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language
Q: What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
A: Denotation is the literal dictionary definition of a word,while connotation is the emotional or cultural meaning associated with it.
Q: What are common types of figurative language?
Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiom, onomatopoeia
Q: How do you distinguish between active and passive voice?
In active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g the cat chased the mouse). In passive voice, the subject receives the action (the mouse was chased by the cat)
Q: What is parallel structure in writing?
It means using the same pattern of words to show equal importance (e.g. She likes running, swimming, and biking” instead of She likes to run, swimming and to bike)
Q: What is an example of correct subject-verb agreement?
A: Incorrect: “The group of students are excited.”
Correct: “The group of students is excited.”
Q: What is morphology in language?
The study of word structure, including prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Q: What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?
A: A prefix is added to the beginning of a word (e.g. unhappy), while a suffix is added to the end (e.g. happiness)
Q: What are context cluesand how do they help with vocabulary?
They are hints in a sentence that help determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Types include definition, synonym, antonym, and example.
Q: What are homophones? Give examples.
A: Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings (e.g.their/there/they’re, two/to/too)
Q: What is a euphemism?
A: A euphemism is a mild or polite term used to replace a harsh or blunt one (e.g.”passed away” instead of “died”).
Q: What is code-switching in language use?
When a speaker alternates between different languages or language varieties in conversation.
Q: What is jargon?
A: Jargon is specialized vocabulary used by a particular profession or group (e.g.medical jargon like “BP” for blood pressure).
Q: What is a colloquialism?
A: A colloquialism is an informal word or phrase commonly used in everyday speech (e.g.”gonna” instead of “going to”).
Q: What is an idiom? Give an example.
A: An idiom is a phrase with a meaning that cannot be understood from its individual words (e.g.”Break a leg” means “Good luck”).
Q: What is a malapropism?
A: A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding oneoften humorous (e.g. He is the pineapple of politeness instead of pinnacle)
Q: What is a cliché?
A: A cliché is an overused expression that has lost its originality (e.g.”Only time will tell”).
Q: What is hyperbole? Give an example.
A: Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used for effect (e.g.”I have a million things to do”).
Q: What is semantics?
A: Semantics is the study of meaning in language,including word meanings and how they change over time.
